Binghamton emerged victorious from a defensive battle with the Canisius College men’s lacrosse team on Tuesday night with a 9-5 win. The loss drops the Griffs to 6-6 on the season, while the Bearcats also even their record at 6-6.

“Binghamton is a quality team and we knew this game was going to be a seesaw affair,” said Canisius head coach Randy Mearns. “It came down to the fourth quarter and a few failed clears, some costly turnovers and a couple missed opportunities offensively cost us in the end. Binghamton took advantage of our miscues and that’s a credit to them. Honestly, this one hurts and we have to refocus our efforts as we approach Senior Day against VMI and our MAAC finale against Marist on April 26. I know our guys, however, our up to the challenge.”

Junior Tim Edwards led the Griffs with two goals on the night, while also winning 7-of-11 faceoffs. Junior Austin Romantic and sophomores Vince Gravino and Nick Tuttle also chipped in a goal for the Griffs.

Junior Alex Govenettio recorded a career-best 14 saves for the second-straight game to anchor a strong defensive effort. Senior Kevin Collins led Canisius with two caused turnovers.

The Griffs wasted no time to open the scoring in the contest when Tuttle scored just 55 seconds into the game for the 1-0 lead. However, that would be the last time that Canisius would have the advantage as Binghamton scored three goals in a 24-minute drought for the Griffs. Edwards ended the scoreless streak with 4:57 remaining in the second quarter but Binghamton added the half’s final goal for a 4-2 lead at the intermission.

The Bearcats tallied the first goal of the third quarter but two-straight scores by the Griffs pulled Canisius within one. Romantic netted his first of the night before Edwards added his second goal of the game. Binghamton reclaimed its two-goal advantage, 6-4, but Gravino finished the scoring in the third quarter as Canisius pulled back within one, 6-5.

The defenses stood strong to start the final quarter before Binghamton was able to take advantage of Canisius turnovers to expand its lead. After going nearly nine minutes without a goal to start the period, the Bearcats twice scored goals right after failed clears by the Griffs for an 8-5 lead. Overall, Canisius turned the ball over four-straight times without getting a shot off.

Binghamton added one final goal with the Canisius netminder out challenging the defense for the 9-5 final score.

The Bearcats had a slight edge in shots on the night, 33-32, with Canisius holding the advantage in faceoffs, 10-7, and in ground balls, 24-23. The Griffs committed 15 turnovers to 10 for Binghamton.

Tyler Deluca led Binghamton with three goals on the night, while Max Schefler recorded 12 saves to earn the win.

Canisius continues non-conference action on Saturday afternoon with a Senior Day contest against VMI. The Griffs’ final regular-season game at the Demske Sports Complex is set to begin at 2 p.m.

Game Notes: Govenettio matched his career high from Saturday’s game against Quinnipiac in an 11-10 win … Canisius did not score a man-up goal for the first time since March 15 (had scored at least one in the last five games), unable to convert in one 30-second opportunity on Tuesday … Binghamton has now won 3-of-4 meetings between the two schools.